posted 03-27-2006 08:28 AM ET (US) I need some help here. I do not get motion sickness so I never paid much attention to products and motion sickness remedies. However, my son DOES get motion sickness. Last season, I would give him a Dramamine prior to departing early in the morning for a day of fishing. BY 11:00am, he would always ask to go back home because the Dramamine knocked him out. I am looking for alternatives. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Plotman

posted 03-27-2006 08:40 AM ET (US)
Not sure how old he is, but the transdermal scopalamine worked for members of our family.

Many longtime boaters and fishermen that I know who suffer from occasional bouts of seasickness recommended them. It has 5 different "power" settings...just crank up the little electrical pulse to the point where your nausea goes away. Make sure you buy the model that has the replaceable battery...they also sell one that doesn't.

Tom

handn

posted 03-27-2006 09:17 AM ET (US)
My wife uses a couple of capsules of ginger taken with breakfast before the trip. That and no coffee solved her problem.

themclos

posted 03-27-2006 09:18 AM ET (US)
You don't say how old your son is or how much he weighs. I have a 10 year old, about 75lbs, who can get motion sickness, primarily in cars. We found that the recommended dosage of 2 pills knocked him out for quite a few hours. The next trip we cut him back to a single pill and we found it was effective at eliminating his symptoms without knocking him out. You might want to try reducing the dosage.

jimh

posted 03-27-2006 02:06 PM ET (US)
Scapolomine is a prescription drug which inhibits motion sickness. It is very effective for that remedy, however it is also hallucinogenic--a common side effect for all motion sickness medicines it seems--and may not be suitable for a small child. It is worn in a trans-dermal patch.

I have tried Scapolomine (once), and it absolutely suppresses nausea and sea sickness, but, according to a report from my companions on the voyage, it did cause me to "space out."

Note that the author mentions that motion sickness sensitivity peaks in children between the ages of 4 to 10 years old. Your son may grow out of it.

Bulldog

posted 03-27-2006 02:11 PM ET (US)
I get terrible motion sickness, even just riding in the back of a car for a little bit. I use a over the counter product called Bonine, it doesn't affect me near as much as the Dramamine did, I also use the wrist bands, called Sea-bands"...Jack

fishingdan

posted 03-27-2006 03:51 PM ET (US)
The "Myth Busters" television show on the Discovery channel did an interesting set of experiments where they tested many of the commonly referred to remedies.

Off the top of my head, this included the common OTC meds, prescription meds, wrist bands, the battery powered watch like thing and ginger. Several show members participated in the tests. 2 of these seemed to be very easily affected by motion. They used a spinning test chair coupled with rythmic head movements to induce motion sickness. I believe that this was modeled after a similar device developed by NASA. My stomach was turning just watching them.

I was interested because I have a 13 year old son that gets motion sick at the drop of a hat. He has been this way since he was an infant. We have use the OTC meds with mixed results. If they worked, my son was so drowsy he couldn't function. We have also tried the wrist bands with limited success.

If I recall, they found that ginger in any form was the most effective followed by the prescription meds. The others were much less effective or didn't work consistantly for all involved. They noted that all of the meds had some noticeable side effect.

After this show, we started to try ginger. At least for my son, it works better than anything else we have tried. The pills work as well as simple ginger cookies. Give it a try. You just need to consume foods with a high enough concentration of ginger.

posted 03-27-2006 08:49 PM ET (US)
There is a great deal of individual variation from patient to patient as to which of all these things works for a given person and how bad the drowsiness is.

Scoplolamine is related to atropine and can weaken the ability of the muscle that focuses the eyes for near vision. This is not good if reading charts at night is required. Also in men in the older age groups it can cause difficulty in voiding which can precipitate an emergency requiring a trip to the ER for a catheter. Its best to experiment with a scop patch ashore before planning to use it on a long voyage

One compound not mentioned so far is Cinnarizine, sold in Mexico as "Stugeron", and not availible in the USA as far as I know. This was developed by the Israeli Navy and its claim to fame is that it didn't have so much tendency to cause drowsiness, a desirable attribute from a military point of view. I tried it on a sailboat delivery trip from Puerto Vallarta to Mazatlan and it absolutely put me to sleep. Go figure.

In the end, you just have to start trying different things one at a time for your son.

The bracelet gadgets surely can't cause drowsiness.

Jim

aquaman

posted 03-27-2006 09:52 PM ET (US)
I have tried most of the remedies but all had side effects for me. Several years back a doctor prescribed promethazine, 25 mg and a sudafed tablet (phenylephrine). It works great, no drowsiness or any other side effects, quite the opposite, wide awake, alert and a clear sinus. Seems to last about 8hrs. It needs to be prescribed by a doctor and I would definately consult before giving any to my children.

I have been told this is what the US Coast Guard uses.

John

njwhaler

posted 03-28-2006 01:02 AM ET (US)
Thanks thus far for the great responses. When the boating season starts real soon, my son will be 12 and about 140lbs.

linust

posted 03-28-2006 04:07 AM ET (US)
njwhaler--

you mention giving your son Dramamine in the morning before going out...my best experience (i.e. most effective) with Dramamine had me take one dose the evening before, get a good night's sleep, and a second dose in the morning before going out. however, i still felt the drowsiness effects of the Dramamine.

Dramamine II (also sold as Bonine) is supposed to be a non-drowsy formula, though I have no direct experience with it--I now use the Trans-derm Scop patch.

Oh yeah, one last item: with any of these, I experienced a dry-mouth condition--drink lots of water!

HAPPYJIM

posted 03-28-2006 06:51 AM ET (US)
I take promethazine 12.5 mg when I know it will be rough going out on a charter boat. The combination of 3-4 foot fast chop and diesel fumes get to me pretty quick. 1 tablet an hour before getting underway then another tablet 2 hours later works for me. I still get tired but that may be from expending more energy from holding on and tense muscles for 8+ hours than the promethazine.

Looking down and concentrating on tying lures and rigging bait is bad for people with motion sickness. Do more of those tasks for him. Looking up at the horizon is good. Don't allow fumes from the engine to blow back on the deck. It only takes a few seconds of breathing fumes to start that process of feeling bad, then your mind has to try to disregard that nausea feeling before you go to the next phase of uncontrolled saliva. Trolling for long periods with no action gives you time to think about how bad you feel. Try to keep the action going by doing more casting or jigging off the bottom. If you smoke tobacco hold off until back at the dock for him.Don't give him sweets like donuts or pastries before going out, they taste terrible the second time. Bananas are one of the few foods that taste the same coming out as they do when you ate them. Eating one before the trip is good but don't bring them on the boat....bad for fishing. Have fun with you son at this age. The smiles from him will be treasured long after you get back at the dock.

Royce

posted 03-29-2006 01:28 AM ET (US)
There is one drug that works great with its only side effect being drymouth. It is a Scopalamine derivitive by the name of Scopace. It is taken orally and is availabe by prescription. This pill has helped many of us on the West coast avoid seasickness. You take it one hour before going out. Average dose is two pills--I generally take just one. Drink alot of water while you are out and if your stomach still feels unsure eat ginger snaps. This is truly a wonder drug--it is very different than the transdermal patch.

Royce

elaelap

posted 03-29-2006 10:52 AM ET (US)
Now back in the days when ships were wooden and men were iron, the traditional cure for seasickness--often combined with a miserable pierhead jump hangover--was a cupful of bacon grease downed in one gulp by the victim at the receiving end of the first mate's calloused fist...don't know whether I'd recommend that to us effete modern-day Whalers ;-) I'm lucky...never been seasick but once, but that one time made up for all the rest--back in my Merchant Marine days the T-2 tanker I was in got caught in a three-day blow heading south from Anchorage. The storm followed us at exactly the same speed as the ship's, with 40-50 knot winds and huge white swells breaking over the ship's catwalk. The entire crew was sick by the second day; not like the acute kind of seasickness I've often seen in others on board small boats, but instead a dismal, flu-like malaise combined--in my case at least--with dark, fearful misgivings that the ship was about to break in half. Not the most fun I've ever had at sea...

Tony

chopbuster

posted 03-29-2006 10:35 PM ET (US)
"Meclizine" at 25mg, is an excellent anti-motion sickness prophylactic. However, you will need a Dr's script.

salmon9

posted 03-30-2006 01:29 AM ET (US)
I have provided some comparative efficacy information on antiemetics and motion sickness. If dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) knocked him out, I think the other drug choices will as well. If dimenhydrinate worked, and since it is relatively safe, I would lower the dose to 1/2 tab and try again. I do not recommend a child should take a stimulant, i.e. Sudafed, to conteract the sedative effect of antiemetics. All antiemtics cause drowsiness which can't be avoided. I think if your 10 yr son did OK with dimenhydrinate then likely all the choices will work. You need to find the right balance between stopping the nausea and vomiting and putting him to sleep.

In a study involving 140 subjects, transdermal scopolamine at a rate of 10 mcg/hour was more effective than dimenhydrinate 50 mg at the prevention of motion sickness at sea. Transdermal scopolamine afforded 62% protection against motion sickness as compared to 49% protection with dimenhydrinate (Noy et al, 1984). Not recommended for children less than 12 years of age. Consult a doctor if thinking about using it.

Meclizine is comparable to dimenhydrinate in the treatment of motion sickness (AMA Department of Drugs, 1986; Wood et al, 1981). The incidence of drowsiness appears to be greater with dimenhydrinate. The duration of action of meclizine is longer than that of dimenhydrinate and other antihistamines used for motion sickness, which may be an advantage. The recommended dimenhydrinate oral dose for children 6 to 12 years is 1/2 to 1 tablet (25 to 50 milligrams) every 6 to 8 hours not to exceed 3 tablets (150 milligrams) in 24 hours.

Promethazine appears to be superior to meclizine and other antihistamines in the treatment of motion sickness (AMA Department of Drugs, 1986). Pediatric dose is 12.5 to 25 mg twice daily as needed.

Wrist bands work for some and is safe. High doses of ginger as well.

njwhaler

posted 03-30-2006 08:38 AM ET (US)
I am going to try the wrist band and ginger.

njwhaler

posted 03-30-2006 08:39 AM ET (US)
Actually, I just had a thought. How about cutting some fresh ginger to put in a water bottle?

posted 03-30-2006 06:42 PM ET (US)
Mr. Rogers was the illegitimate son of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He himself never got seasick, but some of his saccharine inanities were known to cause nausea in adults with weak stomachs.

Binkie

posted 03-30-2006 10:10 PM ET (US)
The Coast Guard ship I was stationed on always had a bushel of oranges in the galley for anyone who started to feel sick. If you ate a couple when you first started to feel sick, most times the feeling went away. If you waited to long it didn`t help. I ate quite a few oranges on my cruises. If you got seasick, you still had to work and stand your watches. Many days I wished I had joined the Army.

Royce

posted 03-31-2006 12:11 AM ET (US)
Scopace has been proven to be the most effective remedy on the market. Read below:

The following questions were submitted by people who are not affiliated with Hope Pharmaceuticals.

Need a Prescription?

Would like to try Scopace. Can I order it from you without a prescription? If not, then how specifically should my physician write a prescription and where should I send the prescription to get it filled? Want to try this product ASAP.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your interest in Scopace tablets. This medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness and is available by prescription only through pharmacies nationwide. Therefore, you must obtain a prescription from your doctor and have it filled at pharmacy of your choice. I respectfully suggest that you print the online product information, share it with your doctor, and discuss whether Scopace would be beneficial for your needs.

My Doctor is Not Aware of Scopace

I found your page (www.motionsickness.net/reviews.html) while looking for information on alternatives to the scopolamine patch. Is Scopace still available? When I asked my doctor if scopolamine came in a pill form he was not aware of it. Please let me know. I would like to pass the information on to him. Thank you.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. This medication is available by prescription through pharmacies nationwide. Please print the online information at www.motionsickness.net to share with your doctor and discuss whether Scopace would be beneficial for your needs. I invite your doctor to call us toll-free at (800) 755-9595 if any questions arise.

Is Scopace Available?

I am confused about the availability of Scopace tablets. I live in the Houston area, the "home of the astronauts," and I cannot find a pharmacy that stocks these tablets. The pharmacy (Walgreens) could not find them listed in their computer and did find a reference on microfiche and said they are so old that they are not easy to get from their distributor. I went on a 10 day research sea cruise in the Caribbean last week and just before I left I had to change my prescription for Scopace tablets to the patch. Do you know anything about the distribution of Scopace tablets in the Houston area? Seems to me you are missing a big market here.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your message regarding the availability of Scopace tablets. We distribute this medication nationwide through regional drug wholesalers and distributors. There are several wholesalers in Texas that carry this medication. Information on Scopace availability that would assist a pharmacist in obtaining a supply is posted online at www.motionsickness.net/available.html.

The database that I believe was used by your pharmacist does not cross reference all branded medications with their corresponding generic names. Based on the description you provided, I discern that the pharmacist searched the database for "scopolamine tablets" and consequently missed the reference to "Scopace". Let me confirm that our product is presently available and is listed as "Scopace" in the major pharmacy databases including Medispan and Facts & Comparisons.

It is unfortunate that your pharmacist did not call me toll-free at (800) 755-9595 when questions arose regarding the availability of Scopace tablets. If called, I would have been able to correct any misinformation regarding product availability, identified local distributors, and even offered to drop-ship product directly to the pharmacy.

If questions persist with your local pharmacy, a supply of Scopace can be obtained from Steven's Pharmacy (a mail order pharmacy in Costa Mesa, California - toll free number 800-352-3784) or from Drugstore.Com (affiliated with Rite Aid, toll free number 800-378-4786.

Dosing Interval

A patient called for a prescription for Scopace. What is the dosing interval?

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. Each dose provides approximately 8 hours of travel comfort; consequently, it would be appropriate to consider a dosing schedule of every 8 hours as needed.

Dosing Instructions

I just recently had a prescription filled for Scopace, but the filling pharmacist wasn't familiar with it, so he specified on the instructions "Use as directed." Could you send me the dosage info? Thank you in advance.

The following answer was provided:

In response to your inquiry, I refer you to the prescribing information that is posted at www.motionsickness.net. Note that when used to prevent motion sickness, Scopace is typically prescribed 1 - 2 tablets, begin 1 hour before travel. Each dose provides approximately 8 hours of travel comfort. I respectfully suggest that you confirm the prescribing instructions with your doctor before you begin taking the medication.

How to Take a Dose

I have a question about the Scopace tablets. I currently take anywhere from 1/2 to 1 tablet to prevent motion sickness when I play some sports - particularly basketball. Most of the time it works, but when it doesn't I am not sure if it got into my system quickly enough. Should this be taken on an empty stomach or with food? What about water, a lot? I need instructions to achieve the quickest absorption. Sometimes I only take the pill shortly before I play. Thanks very much.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. The tablets begin dissolving within 15 minutes and typically start providing effect within an hour after ingesting. The following ideas may hasten the absorption of this medication:

1. Take the medication on an empty stomach. If there is food in the stomach, the medication may mix with the food and be absorbed gradually in the small intestine instead of in the stomach.

2. Before taking the medication, crush or dissolve the tablet. (If you crush the tablet, place the tablet pieces in a glass of water to facilitate swallowing.) This will reduce the time required for the active ingredient to be released and available for absorption.

Even if you follow the above steps, please be aware that some time will be required to ensure that sufficient medication is absorbed to exert its effect. You may wish to discuss this matter with your doctor or pharmacist to confirm these ideas and seek additional thoughts.

Comparison to OTC Products

Can you please explain the difference between this product and OTC motion sickness drugs especially with regard to potency and side effects such as drowsiness. Thank you.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your interest in Scopace tablets. This medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness and is available by prescription through pharmacies nationwide. Scopace contains scopolamine, which is recognized in the medical literature as the most effective agent to prevent motion sickness.

In response to your question regarding other agents, please note that over-the-counter (OTC) products are well suited for persons with modest conditions which can be resolved with self-medication. Prescription-strength medicine is intended for persons with moderate to severe conditions. A clinical study conducted by NASA researchers compared the efficacy of 16 different motion sickness remedies. This study not only documented that scopolamine was the most effective medicine, but also that its efficacy far surpassed that of OTC products. [References provided at www.motionsickness.net].

Motion Sickness While Driving

Hello! I have been reading "intensely" your reports, emails, and letters of praise about this medication. And I have a couple of questions... We recently bought a Chevy Tahoe only to learn I cannot ride in it unless I am driving and that's a bummer when more than our family is in it. Not to mention that my husband's a truck driver and begs us to go with him on trips. Anyway, this sounds great for sea sickness and flights, but we were wondering about the "car sick" and how it may help us? Thanks so much for your time and any response you may provide.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry in Scopace tablets. This medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness, irrespective whether you are riding in a boat, car, airplane, or train.

Living on a Yacht

I just read the information about Scopace as a relief for motion sickness. I get motion sick and am considering living on a yacht. Please advise. Is Scopace still an option for me? I eagerly await some information from you. Thank you for your time.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your interest in Scopace tablets. This medication is indicated to help prevent motion sickness.

The goal of therapy is to take as little medication as is necessary. Since we acclimate to motion over time, you may require a higher dose initially than you would after several days. It may even be possible that you would not need motion sickness medication after you adjust to the new conditions. This medication may be well suited for your intended use because you and your doctor can adjust the dose to meet your ongoing needs.

I respectfully suggest that you print the online product information at www.motionsickness.net and share it with your doctor to discuss whether Scopace would be beneficial for you.

Use While Diving

I've always had problems with motion sickness. Being in the back of cars, small planes, and on boats causes problems. Recently, I started diving but I have real concerns about continuing this due to the getting sick. Last week I went on my first deep dive. This creates a problem because of the surface intervals on multiple dives. The waiting while anchored can be a problem even on a calm day. I've used the patch (which helps) until it washes off. The last time I took the a "Less Drowsy" OTC medicine and ginger which helped modestly as I had to keep the land in sight. I am looking for something to help but you have me worried due to possible side effects. Usually I do not feel mild side effects in medications other than drowsiness. Is Scopace an option for me while diving? I need something that truly works.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. This medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness and is available by prescription through pharmacies nationwide.

Motion sickness medications may cause drowsiness to varying degrees, including scopolamine. The incidence of this side effect is dose-related with scopolamine: namely, the higher the dose, the greater the likelihood of experiencing drowsiness. We urge caution when taking Scopace, even at low doses, if one is participating in dangerous activities such as diving. Medicine that causes drowsiness may impair your concentration and impact your safety while diving. Therefore, I respectfully suggest that you print the online product information and discuss with your doctor whether Scopace would be beneficial. If you and your doctor believe that this medication would be beneficial, please ask your doctor to consider whether a trial taken while at home may be appropriate to determine whether you are prone to develop drowsiness with a particular dose.

Expiration Date

I have some Scopace left over from August 2000. I was wondering if I can use the leftovers next week, or if I should call in a new prescription. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. This medication, like all others, is packaged with an expiration date after which it should not be taken. The expiration date should be listed on the prescription label generated by the pharmacy. If the expiration date for the medication has already passed, I must respectfully suggest that you obtain a fresh supply of medication.

Prostate

Will taking Scopace effect my prostate during flight and make it difficult to urinate?

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. This medication is contraindicated for persons with prostatic hypertrophy. Therefore, if you have prostatic hypertrophy, you should not use this medication. I recommend that you confer with your doctor to discusss the treatment options available to you.

Drowsiness

I am going on a cuise in January and tend to experience motion sickness. On our last cruise I took an OTC motion sickness medicine. I experienced tiredness, even with the non-drowsy kind. On this site [www.motionsickness.net] the side effects listed tiredness. Under warnings, it was advised not to drink alcohol. This would be somewhat inconvenient on a cruise. I don't plan on binging by any means, but would like to enjoy some mild social drinking. Any advice? I was considering the patch until I read about this new medication [SCOPACE]. Thank you in advance.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your interest in Scopace tablets. As you noted, this medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness and is available by prescription through pharmacies nationwide.

Motion sickness medications can cause drowsiness, including Scopace. This side effect is "dose-related" with scopolamine: the higher the dose take, the greater the likelihood of developing drowsiness. At the low suggested dosages of one or two tablets per dose, the risk of developing drowsiness may be modest. Nevertheless, it warrants caution. To determine one's sensitivity to this medication, a patient (with the agreement of one's doctor) may consider taking a dose at home and monitoring oneself for any reaction.

This concern for drowsiness is the reason why patients are warned not to drive, operate dangerous machinery, or do other things that require alertness while using scopolamine. Patients should also avoid using alcohol while taking scopolamine because of the cumulative sedating effects of both products. Since scopolamine tablets provide travel comfort for approximately 8 hours, it is possible for persons on a cruise to take medication when needed and avoid the medication at other times (for example, while on land).

Since these issues are very important, I respectfully suggest that you print the online product information at www.motionsickness.net, share it with your doctor, and discuss whether Scopace would be beneficial for your needs.

Heat Stroke

I recently got a prescription for Scopace from my doctor, because of an upcoming cruise I am going on. On the sheet that came with the prescription, one of the cautions was not to overexert or overheat yourself because of possible heat stroke. I work out regularly including lifting weights, and was planning on continuing this on the cruise. Is this something I should be concerned with? Thanks!

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. Scopolamine is documented to reduce sweat production. This effect is dose related and typically associated with doses above that prescribed for motion sickness. Given the nature of the exercise activity that you described, it may be prudent to talk with your doctor to determine what is appropriate for your needs. Your doctor may recommend that you take a trial dose while at home to observe whether you experience any side effects.

Heart Condition

I am a 70 year old woman with a history of motion sickness. I am going on a cruise and would like to be sure I do not get sick. I have used the patch many years ago and it did work. I now have atrial fibrilation and when I asked my doctor for the patch he said he could not give it to me. Please advise if it is safe for me to take Scopace or the patch. Your prompt reply would be appreciated. Thank you.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. Your doctor is correct that scopolamine should be used with caution by patients with cardiac disease. In response to your inquiry, please understand that I cannot provide specific medical advice regarding your condition. However, your questions warrant discussion with your doctor. I recommend that you print the online product information at www.motionsickness.net, share it with your doctor, and discuss whether a trial prescription of a low dose of medication may be beneficial.

Abdominal Pain

Good morning! My daughter who is 14 has been having alot of abdominal pain and her pediatrician prescribed Scopace 0.4 mg 3x's a day. I have a question, I was reading at your website that it is for travel/motion sickness. Have you heard of it being prescribed for abdominal pain? Thanks so much for your time.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. In addition to preventing motion sickness, Scopace is indicated to "inhibit excessive motility and hypertonus of the gastrointestinal tract in such conditions as the irritable colon syndrome, mild dysentery, diverticulitis, pylorospasm, and cardiospasm." Although the description of your daughter's condition is limited, it may be consistent with this additional indication, thereby prompting your doctor to use the medication to provide relief. I respectfully suggest that you maintain contact with your doctor and report your daughter's response to treatment so that an appropriate dose for her needs is determined.

Diverticulitis

I am trying to get Scopace through my doctor for an upcoming fishing trip. I am extremely susceptable to motion sickness, having gotten very sick (nausea and vomiting) on every trip I have ever been on. I hope Scopace will help.

Early this year, I had a bout with diverticulitis. I have since recovered although as I understand it the diverticula will remain in the intestine. I wanted to make sure that I would be able to take Scopace safely with this condition. I am an otherwise very healthy and active 36 year old male in very good physical condition.

Please let me know if you know of any reason why I shouldn't take Scopace. Thanks much.

The following answer was provided:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Scopace tablets. Diverticuli are not listed as a contraindication precluding the use of this medication. In contrast, the medication is indicated for the inhibition of excess motility of the gastrointestinal tract in conditions including diverticulitis. Nevertheless, it is prudent to discuss this matter with your doctor and ask whether a trial dose while at home would be warranted.

posted 03-31-2006 01:12 PM ET (US)
I dunno about Binkie and the Oranges. I recall my wife and I once eating a hearty breakfast including a large glass of orange juice before going out in the Atlantic in my 15' Sport for some snorkeling. I distinctly recall vomiting my orange juice on the reef along with part of breakfast.

Though I love boating, I DO have problems with motion sickness. (that's one of the reasons I generally don't fish!). I've tossed my cookies off dive boats, my whaler, a 36' Sportfish, you name it (haven't tossed them through my dive regulator, yet). I've tried the pressure wrist bands, the electronic wrist bands, dramamine, and bonine.

The real issue is to realize that the sickness is coming and to stop looking down and look at the horizon. I find that I am fine if the boat is in motion and I am running it. I am not fine if I am looking into the anchor locker in 4' swells. I've been known to toss my cookies and take a nap lying in the bottom of the boat. (didn't have much choice, we were 5 miles out, snorkeling in the Florida Keys).

The severity of motion sickness varies person to person, and trying the entire variety of options for prevention is the only way to know what works for a particular user and what does not. I'm still searching... I need to try the electronic gizwiz on 5 next time because 2 or 3 didn't hack it for me (we were fishing on the 36' sportfish in 3-5' seas off Palm Beach).

Ranjr13

posted 03-31-2006 08:57 PM ET (US)
Every over the counter and prescription has been tied by me since I was 10 (now 45). The only thing that is 100%, and that knocks it out even if I forget to use it before I get bad feeling is the electric wrist band. I never would have believed it - no sleepy side effects, no dreams of sea creatures, no putting too many chemicals in my body - 100% enjoyable.

Now I only have to give my dog "doggie valium" to make him calm enough in heavy weather!

LuckyLady

posted 03-31-2006 09:23 PM ET (US)
Gotta tell you after thirty-five plus years sailing, Sudafed tablets are the best. I found out that one day I would be fine, the next time I'd be sick sitting at the pierwith the slight motion. Found out after years that if you have any sinus problems, the fluid in there is a downer. I have never had a problem since, after Sudafed.Many of the fisherman's kids get really sick, the ones I know have had great success with one the night before and one in the morning.My same old two cents worth!Rene'